What is the purpose of a rain gauge?

A rain gauge is specifically designed to measure the amount of precipitation that falls over a particular period, such as rainfall. The tool typically consists of a graduated container that collects rainwater, allowing for accurate measurement of the quantity of precipitation in millimeters or inches. Understanding precipitation levels is crucial for various applications, such as agriculture, hydrology, and climate studies. By providing precise data on how much rain has fallen, a rain gauge is an essential instrument for meteorologists and researchers tracking weather patterns and water resources.

While other instruments exist to measure wind speed, temperature, and atmospheric pressure, those functions are performed by different tools tailored to those specific measurements. For example, an anemometer measures wind speed, a thermometer measures temperature, and a barometer is used to measure atmospheric pressure. Thus, the rain gauge is uniquely suited to its function of measuring rainfall.